Four girls grew up to become accomplished engineers and scientists, one chased amoebas in a creek. Another loved puzzling out math problems. One fed her curiosity through a sash full of Girl Scout badges, while another became enamored with science during a trip to a crocodile farm.

In the past, teachers gave lessons using chalkboards, filmstrips and overhead projectors — methods that had limited interactivity. Teachers now have multiple ways of presenting content. Students can now demonstrate their learning in ways other than pencil-and-paper tests.